Commitment 1

Commitment 2

Humanitarian needs and the actions taken to address them are communicated in a timely and credible manner to advocate for child-friendly solutions, increase support for the response and, where necessary, assist with fundraising.

Programme Action

Preparedness

Ensure that a communication strategy is part of preparedness planning.

Identify surge-capacity needs in the areas of information and communication and in report writing.

Maintain a list of staff members with appropriate language skills who are authorized to speak with the media in an emergency, as well as a list of media contacts and UNICEF emergency focal points.

In collaboration with Supply and Logistics, ensure availability of basic communication equipment and visibility items, such as satellite phones, video cameras, cameras, posters and banners.

Ensure availability of template statements, key messages, fact sheets and country profiles on issues related to children and women, which can be immediately updated and used in an emergency.

Ensure that contracts for essential media and communications services are pre-established.

Response

Within 24 hours, disseminate information to the media, the public and national committees to immediately raise awareness of the urgent needs of children and women.

During the first week, produce daily updates, key messages and Q&As for internal circulation, as well as regular communication materials for an external audience.

Ensure that communication material is in line with UN guidelines and that it complements the overall message of the UN country team and HCT.

In situations of grave child rights violations and/or crisis, consult within 24 hours with RO and HQ on ways of advocating for the respect and protection of children’s rights, and inform the UN country team or HCT. The in-country risk management analysis should inform communication. If necessary, support partners in advocacy.

While media attention is at its peak, provide updates on child-related issues and on the humanitarian response to the national committees, media and public. Use interviews, human interest stories, briefings, photographs and video footage, highlighting voices of children and youth.

During field visits, ensure that UNICEF-branded material is visible.

Identify and transmit to Supply and Logistics.

Early Recovery

Advocate for ethical reporting on children; where possible, contribute to the capacity-building of national and local media and the empowerment of youth, especially girls.

Report on the humanitarian and early recovery response, the ongoing needs of children and women, and the actions taken by stakeholders, including the affected communities.

When possible, organize field visits for the media, celebrities, Goodwill Ambassadors, National Committees and donors for public advocacy purposes.